Deadline: May 26, 2023

Purpose

The Searle Freedom Trust generously invests in this RFP to fuel high-impact policy research and litigation projects at state-based research organizations.

Eligibility

This highly competitive grant program is only open to affiliate members of the State Policy Network. Grant amounts will range between $50,000 and $75,000. One proposal from each eligible organization will be accepted.

Proposal Guidelines

Proposals must outline a research or litigation project that provides the intellectual or legal framework to move the needle on a key state-level policy issue in one of the following areas:

  • Economic Policy
  • Energy and the Environment
  • Regulation
  • Federalism
  • Healthcare Reform
  • Law & Litigation
  • Social Welfare Reform
  • Labor
  • Higher Education Finance and Productivity
  • K-12 Finance and Governance (Excluding school choice)

Additionally:

Proposals should not:

  • Request funding for an existing project
  • Request funding for a research “center”
  • Request funding for general operating support
  • Request support for grassroots efforts, marketing, messaging, polling, or similar programs

Proposals should:

  • Focus on current issues or programs that could also apply to or be replicated in other states
  • Include a short bio of the study author
  • Include suggested methodology for the proposed research project

Application Instructions

As part of the online application process, you will be asked to complete a proposal template including:

  • Executive summary: A clear and succinct summary of the project you are proposing and the amount of funding you are requesting in 100 words or less.
  • Full Project Description not exceeding five pages in total length
    • Problem you aim to solve
    • Project strategy and methodology
    • Project objectives
    • Project timeline
    • Anticipated impact
  • Project Budget

Please note: The project outline and budget should be uploaded in one document (.doc format). The project outline and budget together should not exceed five pages.

Deadlines

Proposals should be submitted through the SPN Member portal by May 26, 2023. Hard copies or proposals submitted via email will not be accepted. Applicants will be notified of their status by the end of June 2023.

Please contact David Snyder (dsnyder@spn.org) with any questions.